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The successful launch of a family-run farm shop and café that was three years in the making has been made possible thanks to a £41,000 LEADER grant. The grant will also support the establishment of an educational centre on site, due to complete this summer.

Harvest Barn is a long-awaited addition to Whitehall Farm, which has been run by the Briggs family for over 10 years.

In less than two months since opening, the store – located on Ramsey Road near Farcet in Peterborough – is already attracting over 200 visitors each weekend.

Staying true to the family’s passion for fresh produce, Harvest Barn stocks a variety of locally grown and sourced products, including Whitehall Farm’s own apple juice and oats. This is all alongside a family friendly café that serves a selection of sweet and savoury treats for hungry visitors.

The family farmers want to inspire an interest in farming amongst school children and the shop’s visitors, alongside supporting older students of agriculture and environmental sciences. With that in mind the second phase of the grant will also help fund an educational centre, which is expected to open in the summer, and help provide farm access so visitors can see the produce growing in the fields and meet some of the farm animals.

A further £750,000 of grant funding is still available from The Rural Peterborough and Rutland LEADER programme, but only until March 2019. The programme has already supported six projects based in the Rural Peterborough and Rutland area but wants to use up all its funds to help develop the area’s rural economy.

Businesses and community groups operating within the LEADER area can apply for funding to progress ideas or projects that would help their business grow further, including:

increasing farm productivity

supporting micro and small businesses and farm diversification

boost rural tourism

provide rural services

cultural and heritage activity

increase forestry production

The programme is being delivered by Opportunity Peterborough with support from a Local Action Group (LAG) made up of 14 local volunteers from a variety of sectors and professions. The LAG approve funding for projects with the aim of improving the overall prosperity of the area.

Lynn Briggs, owner of Harvest Barn, said, “We had been planning to open a shop for three years but financing was always a barrier. Without support from the LEADER programme I don’t know how we’d have got this off the ground.

“It’s been a dream to sell direct to customers. The soils here create fantastic produce – why would we want to give that to someone else? We’ve also got a great location near a busy road so it’s a perfect pit stop for anyone travelling.

“Having this farm shop means we can give back to our community not just with our produce but through nurturing the curiosity of our visitors and sharing our knowledge and love of farming with students, young children and agriculture and environmental enthusiasts.”

Steve Bowyer, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough said, “This is a clear cut example of just how big a role LEADER funding can play in supporting the rural economy, and it’s a brilliant testament to the hard work of the Briggs family and their team that Harvest Barn has achieved such quick success.

“With less than a year to go until LEADER funding closes, it’s crucial that businesses and community groups across rural Peterborough and Rutland get in touch so we can make use of the remaining £800,000 that’s still available.”

Dennis Stanley, the Chair of the LAG, added, “Harvest Barn is a welcome addition to the rural community. It’s a fantastic way for us to support local farmers whilst enjoying responsibly grown, healthy produce. With plenty more grant funding still available, we’re very excited to see what new projects LEADER can support across rural Peterborough and Rutland.”

For additional information about the LEADER funding programme and details of eligibility and how to apply, visit: leaderfunding.co.uk